Russell Leon Mosier

1934 - 2014

Russell Mosier, 80

Russell Leon Mosier, 80, of Phoenix, Ariz., formerly of Lynn, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 22, 2014 at the Coronado Home in Phoenix, Ariz.
He was born March 14, 1934 in Richmond, Ind., to Luther and Nellie (Morrison) Mosier. He was raised in Lynn (Washington Township, Randolph County) where he played trumpet, baseball and basketball in high school. He listened to Bix Beiderbecke and other jazz musicians launched by Richmond's Gennett Records, worked at his father's "Hoosier Pete" gasoline service station and on the family farm at Snow Hill and watched Pennsylvania Railroad trains pass through town on their way to Richmond or Mackinaw City, Mich. A 1956 graduate of Purdue University, he majored in industrial education and made his career selling earthmoving equipment (first at Caterpillar, Inc., in Peoria, Ill., and later, at Empire Southwest in Mesa, Ariz.). His loyalty to Empire, 40 years of service to the company, is surpassed only by his 58-year marriage to his college sweetheart, Ruth Rodgers Mosier, who survives him.
A born tinkerer, he raised three children who became artists and writers. His lifelong example of industry, modesty, and pleasure in solving a problem instilled in them a belief in the value of making things. Despite his professional and personal success, Dad championed the underdog, evidence of the optimism and generous spirit that made him so beloved by so many.
He was a kind, resourceful, and relentlessly cheerful father.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth Rodgers Mosier of Phoenix, Ariz.; his brother, Melvin Leroy Mosier (Charmain) of Indianapolis; sons Andrew Rodgers Mosier (Janette) of Tucson, Ariz., and Paul Stuart Mosier (Keri) of Phoenix, Ariz.; a daughter, Elizabeth Ann Mosier (Christopher Mills) of St. Davids, Pa.; and six grandchildren, Melanie Mosier, Alison Mosier-Mills, Catherine Mosier-Mills, Nicholas Mosier, Eleri Mosier and Harmony Mosier.
A memorial service will be held in Phoenix, Ariz., at a date to be determined.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85014; (602) 530-6900; www.hov.org.